Market Aftermath

So, I had a stall at one of the bigger markets here in Helensburgh at the weekend and it was basically a complete waste of a day. I didn’t even make £10! It was some comfort that everyone else was having a bad day too – nothing worse than watching everyone else rake it in while you sit ignored.

I’m tired of spending days sitting behind a stall bored out of my face and trying to rationalise the lack of customers with talk of weather and dates and not enough promotion, while watching orders roll in online. I haven’t been to a successful market since probably Renegade London 18 months ago, and while that was amazing, it cost us a fortune in train fares and hotels. There’s just nothing suitable for me any more. Glasgow is vintage-obsessed, Edinburgh’s are non-existent and the local markets just don’t have a big enough, and kawaii friendly, audience. There’s loads of great markets in London, and I could try anime and comic cons, but they’re so much more expensive and risky.

The sensible thing would be to give up on markets altogether, since I sell enough online not to need to, but I really enjoy doing markets and meeting people and making a nice stall display. I’m certainly going to give it a rest for a while though, so don’t expect to see me selling anywhere this year.

Marceline is the creative mind behind Asking For Trouble, creating all the cute characters and products. She's obsessed with Japan and has visited four times, most recently in May 2016, self-publishing a range of zines and guides about her travels. She's also the co-founder and editor of Super Cute Kawaii and works as a freelance web designer.

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Hello!

I’m Marceline Smith, the designer and owner of Asking For Trouble. I create illustrated stationery, accessories and gifts using my cute characters inspired by Japanese kawaii. This is my business and personal blog where I write about my creative doings, inspirations, travels, Japan trips and daily life. Read more »

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